“He is like M. de Witt, hopelessly honest.”
Florent emptied his glass slowly.
“We have made overtures to the Princess of Orange, but she is old and cautious,” continued St. Croix. “Also to M. de Zuylestein and Prince John Maurice. The letter you passed to Monseigneur the Prince contained an offer on the part of M. le Marquis to connive at his escape to Middelburg.”
“How could it be done?” mused Florent.
“M. le Marquis could accomplish it—M. Van Ghent is away——”
Florent looked up sharply.
“Yes, he left on a visit to his estate in Guelders to-day. The Prince hath then thrown in his lot with you—” he added, “put himself under the protection of France?”
“Mon Dieu, what else is there for him to do?”
Florent pushed back his chair. He had eaten very little, nor did St. Croix press it, though he had dined well himself after an indifferent, easy fashion that nettled his guest.